International Roma Day - anti-Gypsyism in Europe and EU recognition of the memorial of the Roma genocide during WWII

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15 April 2015

Ian Hudghton (Greens/EFA) ‒ I voted in favour of this motion. The Roma originate from Northern India but there are estimated to be around 10 million living in Europe, making them the continent's largest ethnic minority group. In their history the Roma have faced persecution, most notably the genocide during World War II.

I support the text in this resolution that addresses the discrimination and marginalisation that the Roma people have suffered historically in many European countries, and notes that that many Roma live today in overwhelmingly poor conditions and face extreme levels of social exclusion and discrimination.

Celebrations to mark International Roma Day were held in Glasgow this year involving the city's Roma residents and the wider community. It pleases me that the Scottish Government is advancing the idea of One Scotland – a nation that empowers its communities and meets the hopes and aspirations of all its people, and that continues on a path towards a vibrant, diverse multi-cultural society based on mutual trust, understanding and respect.